Hi! My name is Vinnie, and I am the change we need from our elected officials. I truly care about our county and all the people who live here. I am running for Brevard County District 5 Commissioner to continue utilizing my solutions-oriented mindset and vast leadership experience to serve you.

My broad background includes roles as an IT professional, small business owner, educator, chair of governmental committees, grant writer, filmmaker, board member, and volunteer for many nonprofits. My priorities include GROWTH MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL SYNERGY, ECONOMIC AFFORDABILITY, ORGANIZATIONAL PERSONNEL and EFFICIENCY, and RETURNING CIVILITY and TRUST.

This is just the beginning of our journey together. I invite you to join me, get to know me better, and allow me to be your voice in making Brevard a place we are proud to call home.

  • Growth Management
    Without intentional planning our growth has led to strained infrastructure, future expense pitfalls, and an overall diminished quality of life. I propose a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to development that prioritizes the needs of our current residents while understanding community and economic drivers; all while protecting our natural environment. This includes heavily weighing current zoning and future land use to prevent overdevelopment and prioritizing infrastructure improvements. New developments must contribute to community sustainability by including adequate plans and resources to implement those plans for emergency services, wastewater, stormwater, and transportation.
  • Environmental Synergy
    Our natural environment, particularly the Indian River Lagoon Estuary, tributaries, and wetlands, are impaired due to decades of pollution, antiquated concepts, and inadequate regulations. My plan involves continuing full speed estuary restoration and increasing the use of natural green space to provide remediation. Moreover, as the County we must continue working closely with our local municipalities, state, and federal agencies. We must start implementing a plan as well as find funding to support our residents for the upcoming unfunded but necessary mandates like cleaner septic tank regulations, stricter reuse requirements, and increased stormwater management.
  • Economic Affordability
    While Brevard has a strong economy, particularly in aerospace, technology, and tourism, we need to continue broadening our economic base to ensure long-term and further-reaching prosperity and stability. I propose a focus on the basics, including funding the affordable housing trust fund created in the most recent charter review and approved by the voters. Also creating a countywide aging plan that identifies and implements solutions for transportation, nutrition, housing, and social engagement. The County must additionally find a long-term solution and associated funding once HB 1365, the Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping bill goes into effect straining County resources. Lastly, fostering partnerships between all stakeholders in our community, including public, private, and non-profit entities to utilize shared resources and combine efforts will save County resources; truly rising the tide.
  • Retiring Personnel and Efficiency
    Brevard County government has enjoyed the benefits of long-term employment from many of its department leaders. Unfortunately, three of the top four county personnel are close to the end of or even past their retirement period. It’s imperative we create a plan and effectively implement it to not only maintain the current service level, but improve on it by fostering an environment accepting of new ideas including efficiency gains from newer uses of technology.
  • Returning Civility and Trust
    Returning civility and trust to our government is critical for us to move forward as a County. Much of our local politics has become divisive, favoring short-term gains over long-term stability. I believe we must restore trust by being transparent, accessible, and accountable to the people we serve. That means listening to you, the residents, and ensuring your voice is heard in every decision. It's about stewardship of the public trust, not just holding office. By bringing back civility and encouraging collaboration, we can ensure that Brevard's future is one where all feel represented and respected​​. We are a government of the people and not above the people which should always govern our actions.

  • Chief Information Officer State Attorney's Office, 18th Circuit
    -Responsible for information technology for 300+ employees spanning five offices over two counties, working with local, state, and federal agencies.
  • VP & Co-Owner Small Family Business TMA and The Homes of Ponce de Leon
    -Managed 240+ senior rental lots and homes, with expansion development.
  • Founder & CEO Media-Over-Matter Productions, LC
    -Multiple award‐winning media production company with short films and commercials that have and continue to entertain millions all over the world.

  • Current Chair Save Our Indian River Lagoon Citizen Oversight Committee
    -Appointed to and served YOU for nearly eight years and elected three times to chair the ½ cent lagoon sales tax oversight committee.
  • Chairman & Co-Founder Indialantic's Sustainable Community & Resiliency Committee
    -Served and chaired for nearly eight years working with Indialantic's Council to maintain quality of life through sustainability.
  • Community Marketing Council Member Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast
    -Worked on educating our County's residents to improve community prosperity, workforce recruitment, and training.

  • Soccer Coach (U6 - U10) Regional Rec and Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School
    -Sport can be a great teacher of life. It's been an absolute honor and pleasure to help mold our future for 15+ years.
  • Historic Green Gables Advisory Council Member
    -How can we chart our future without preserving our past? Proud part of an amazing group that saved this historic house.
  • Board Member LEAD Brevard
    -Spent the past 8 years "working together to strengthen our community by inspiring people to LEAD."
  • Board Member Innovative Housing Group
    -Worked with other community leaders and advocates to tackle affordable housing.
  • Regional Chair Leadership Florida
    -Fostered community leadership at the east central regional level to better our State as a whole.
  • JA In A Day Teacher Junior Achievement of the Space Coast
    -Taught civics and free market economy concepts to elementary students.
  • Tiger Leadership Academy Speaker Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Upper School
    -How do we make tomorrow better than today without pouring into our tomorrow? Conversed with high school students about life and leadership lessons.

  • LEAD Brevard's 4 Under 40 Award
  • Helped Save Historic Green Gables
  • Supported Family Promise's Firehouse Project
  • Leadership Florida's Chairman's Award
  • Supported the Building of Female Veteran Habitat Homes
  • Produced Award Winning Short Films
  • Helped Raise $400k+ as MC for JA Hall of Fame
  • Melbourne Chamber Local Hero Award
  • Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Ad Finalist
  • Supported Brevard's First Mental Health DBT Center
  • Foster Child Mentor
  • GFWC Melbourne Club Booster

I have the knowledge and experience to lead our county.

I am accountable and accessible to you.

Phone: (321) 549-8460
Email: vinnietarantojr@gmail.com
Facebook: fb.com/vinnietarantojr

Address:
Vinnie Taranto Jr's Campaign
2903 W New Haven Ave #380
West Melbourne, FL 32904

Financials: Campaign Reports